Let’s face it, knitter’s love tools and I’m no exception. There are so many to choose from, but this is my must have list.
So, here are my
10 Must Have Knitting Tools
1) Interchangeable Needle Set
This is the one thing I can’t live without. I have several sets that all give me different things. I have wood, metal and plastic. There are many brands out there, so think about what you need. If you do magic loop, you need flexible cables, if you fly oversees, you need plastic or wood.
A things that I like to have: caps for the cables that automatically turn a cable into a stitch holder, a connector that allows you to lengthen cables, needle tips that come in different lengths.
Another great reason to use interchangeables is to be able to use two different needles. This is one of the tips I teach in the Tortola KAL / Sweater class (join us for 3 hr of video tutorials for only $19.00) to reduce “rowing out”
2) Tapestry Needle
We may not love weaving in ends, but ya gotta do it. You also need these to seam your pieces together.
I have many different needles. You will need a variety of lengths and eye size for different weight yarns. One of my favorite little extras is a bent tip. That makes seaming a breeze!
3) Stitch Markers
Stitch markers come in a variety of types. The three main groups are closed, split / locking, and decorative. It’s important to have a variety since they all do different things.
If you are working with small needles and fine yarn, you might want smaller stitch markers. If you are working magic loop, dpn or two circs, a locking stitch marker to be put in the fabric is a most. Decorative stitch markers are pretty, but they also serve a function – they stop YO from jumping over your stitch marker in lace. You can also use split or locking stitch markers for seaming and to grab a dropped stitch!
4) Needle Gauge
If you are a fan of circs (and I am!) they are a must. You often can’t read the tiny label on a needle. Also, there are far more mm sizes then there are US sizes, so sometimes one brand’s US size might be a different mm size than another brand. The gauge to the right only shows US sizes, so it’s less useful as a needle gauge (but you’ll see in must have tool #6 why I keep it) then the needle gauge on the right that has both US sizes and mm sizes.
5) Blocking Pins
There are so many wonderful blocking tools, but as I teach in my blocking class (and online webinar) the one you can’t live without are proper T pins. They are made of a special metal that won’t rust if you are wet blocking. The T head will stop the pins from popping right through the drying fabric.
6) Ruler
When measuring your gauge swatch a ruler is the best tool. A tape measure is great for blocking, but nothing beats a hard ruler to being able to get a realistic measure. Tape measures can stretch out of shape, but can also be hard to lay flat onto your swatch when measuring.
7) Double Pointed Needles (dpns)
DPS can come in metal, wood, or plastic. They are handy to have around, not just for working in the round (not gonna lie, I’m more of a Magic Loop girl), but as I teach in my Circular Knitting Essentials class, whether you work on dpns, magic loop or 2 circs is a bit of a personal preference. However, I also use dpn for redistributing slack, pulling out yarn from stitches when I’m tinking a section, and to help me “stab” the stitches when I count gauge. Just handy to have a pokey thing in your knitting bag (also can be used as a back scratcher)
8) Hand Cream or Cuticle Balm
In the winter my hands get so dry that they can feel like sandpaper. Sometimes I can get little rough patches on my fingers and cuticles that can catch on my yarn. I like to carry a tiny container of cuticle balm right in my knitting bag.
9) Scissors or Thread Cutter
I carry a few in my bag. I have my super sharp embroidery scissors, a thread cutter / row counter combo, and I also have a combo thread cutter seam ripper.
10) Crochet Hook (s)
I carry several different sizes of hooks with me. They are handy for picking up dropped stitches, for fixing mistakes, and some of my favorite crochet bind offs.
What are your favorite knitting tools?
Leave me a comment.
